Congo and the AFDB Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Wednesday, 5th March 2025

By Inafrika Reporter,

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has reinforced its commitment to the Republic of Congo through a series of high-level engagements and financial agreements aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable development. From February 24 to 28, 2025, an AfDB delegation, led by Solomane Koné, Acting Director General for Central Africa, engaged in discussions with key Congolese officials to enhance cooperation and support the country’s national development priorities.

During the mission, two significant grant agreements totaling $1.5 million were signed to address critical energy challenges. The agreements include a $585,000 grant from the Middle-Income Country Technical Assistance Fund for feasibility studies on hydroelectric infrastructure along the Congo River and a $995,000 grant from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund (KOAFEC) to strengthen the electrical transmission line between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville. Ludovic Ngatsé, Minister of the Economy, Planning, and Regional Integration, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, noting that they will contribute to regional energy integration with neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“This financial support illustrates the Bank’s commitment to assisting Congo in modernizing its energy infrastructure, which is essential for economic diversification,” stated Koné.

The AfDB mission also reviewed progress in Congo’s digital transformation. A visit to the Data Center, currently under construction as part of the Central African Backbone fiber optic project, underscored the country’s push toward improved national and regional connectivity. This project is expected to boost technological capacity and enhance the foundation for a competitive digital economy. Discussions with key government officials, including Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, reiterated the Bank’s role in supporting Congo’s structural reforms and the implementation of its National Development Plan (NDP) 2022-2026. The mission also highlighted the importance of sound debt management to unlock additional financing for core infrastructure projects, particularly in energy and transportation.

“We remain committed to our economic transformation goals and appreciate the unwavering support of the African Development Bank,” affirmed Prime Minister Makosso.

The Bank’s mission facilitated discussions on regional energy security, particularly through collaboration with the Central Africa Power Pool. Further engagements with United Nations representatives explored synergies to enhance the impact of energy sector investments. In addition to infrastructure funding, the AfDB committed to providing technical assistance for Congo’s GDP reassessment, incorporating natural capital to unlock climate financing opportunities. Congo has also expressed interest in joining the second cohort of Energy Compacts under Mission 300, a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank to expand energy access across Africa.

The discussions also covered Congo’s potential hosting of the Bank’s 2026 Annual Meetings, with Prime Minister Makosso reaffirming the country’s readiness to ensure a successful event. “The relationship between the African Development Bank and the Republic of Congo is excellent. The Bank has always stood by us, providing operational and strategic support. It remains a key partner in our national development efforts,” concluded Prime Minister Makosso.

The partnership between AfDB and Congo is guided by the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023-2028, which prioritizes sustainable infrastructure and economic governance. Through this strengthened collaboration, Congo is poised for significant progress in its development agenda.